The meeting came to order at 11:40 am.

Agenda:
Continued discussion about a Learning Center

Discussion:

C. Bellomo recommended that the committee make a formal proposal regarding a learning center.

General discussion regarding where the proposal for a learning center should be moved to next ensued.

It was suggested that perhaps it would be appropriate to have a discussion with Vice President and Treasurer, D. Hutchinson regarding the possibility of funding.

Consideration should be given to whether we hire a person to shape the learning center, or whether we shape the learning center then hire a person.

Ellen suggested that many components of the work have already been done and would be happy to put in her budget proposal for next year.

It was decided that S. Ryan, B. Stasz, and C. Bellomo would gather all of the information to date, consolidate and formulate a recommendation and bring to our next meeting for review and input.  We would then send to faculty and have general call for email responses (sent to Bird) with ideas and suggestions about the proposed learning center.

Ellen suggested that we should use APPC as a vehicle as well, as that committee is working on program planning.

Findings and recommendations will be reported at December faculty meeting.

Admissions: S. Sloan updated on admissions for fall 2001.  To date, we have over 25 applications, which is slightly higher than last year.  There were 32 students present at the open house, which had a different academic format from previous ones.  Faculty panels were used and V. Muñoz thought the format worked well and "enjoyed it."

The next open house is scheduled for November 11th.  To date 63 students have registered to attend.

Retention: S. Ryan has been meeting with students and indicated that, to date, there were four anticipated withdrawals for the spring.  Of these, two students did not participate in Orientation, which supports her notion that students that do not connect early are a higher risk for retention.

V. Muñoz stated that in conversations with some advisees, there was a sense that the Wells social experience is not what they expected.

Discussion pertaining to identifying the culture and how we relate that to perspectives ensued.  We also discussed perceptions and expectations about Wells.

S. Ryan requested that members of the committee send recommendations to her regarding questions they might like to see asked at exit interviews so that she might better help identify such characteristics.

Financial Aid:
C. Bellomo reported that this year we came under budget for financial aid.  There was a 48% discount, which is a lower discounted rate than in previous years.  Essentially we brought in fewer students and netted more tuition dollars.  Cathy will bring an update on figures at next meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:25.

Respectfully submitted,

Terry Martinez